How do I...
If the crime you are reporting is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If the crime you are reporting is not an emergency, you can call the non-emergency line at 604-525-5411 or attend our Front Counter at 555 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC.
New Westminster – On October 29th, 2014, BC Hydro advised its customers of fraudsters posing as BC Hydro employees that are contacting customers in British Columbia by telephone in an attempt to steal money from residents and small businesses, particularly restaurants.
The NWPD reports that they have had several incidents of this nature that have been reported in the last month. The calls have come from a 1-800 phone number and the customer’s call display did show BC Hydro. The common theme throughout has been that the caller demands immediate payment to avoid disconnection within one hour and suggests the customer purchase a cash gift card and then to call back to provide the serial number on the back of the card. It was also suggested that the customer send money via Western Union.
The NWPD are reminding the public that BC Hydro does not collect credit card or bank account information over the telephone and BC Hydro does not take payment from cash gift cards.
“If you receive a call from someone representing BC Hydro and they are demanding immediate payment, please hang up and call BC Hydro at 1-800-BCHYDRO or 1-800-224-9376 to ensure authenticity,” says Sgt. Diana McDaniel.
If you have been a victim of this scam or received any calls from a fraudster representing BC Hydro, please report the incident to the New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411 or your local police department.
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